Doubront likely to be activated to start Friday in right-hander's place

BOSTON -- Red Sox right-hander Brandon Workman started serving his six-game suspension Wednesday after an appeal with Major League Baseball did not reduce any of the penalty.

This means Workman will miss his start for Friday's road game against the Athletics. Lefty Felix Doubront, who made his second Minor League rehab start Sunday, is likely to be activated and make that start.

Doubront accompanied the team to Oakland and said he expected to pitch Friday. Manager John Farrell said after Wednesday's 2-1 victory over the Twins that Doubront was a strong candidate to start Friday, but the team didn't have an announcement yet.

Workman will next be eligible to pitch for the Red Sox on June 24.

The Red Sox will need to open up a roster spot by Friday, and third baseman Garin Cecchini, who was recalled Tuesday, will likely be optioned back to the Minors at that point.

Workman was disciplined for throwing a pitch behind Evan Longoria on May 30 at Fenway, and his appeal was heard by MLB on June 13.

Doubront is 2-4 with a 5.12 ERA in nine starts for the Red Sox this season. He was sidelined with a left shoulder strain.

Workman has done a stellar job since replacing Doubront, going 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA in five starts.

Clay Buchholz will also return to the rotation soon, creating some real competition.